When will the MLC apply to me?

The MLC was adopted in February 2006 and received its 30th ILO member state ratification in August 2012. It will therefore come into force in August 2013.

As at August 2010 the following countries had ratified:

Liberia
Bahamas
Marshall Islands
Panama
Norway
Spain
Croatia
Bulgaria
Canada

These 10 countries represent 45% of the world fleet, which means that this element of the criteria has already been met. This means that it only remains for another 20 countries to ratify the convention.

Check the ILO’s own website for an up-to-date list of the countries that have ratified this convention (link on the right of this page).